Annabel wanted a pony at her birthday party this year so we started researching the option to bring a pony to our house. I thought we could do another at-home celebration that would include pony rides for the kids around our backyard. But when we drove out to the pony farm to meet with the owner, we knew we had to have the party THERE.
It was beautiful. The place not only had ponies to ride, but an adorable play area, a pony bounce house, miniature ponies to feed, a picnic table seating area, and just the complete serene farm feel. It was such a cool discovery off a main road in Jacksonville. It’s called Hidden Fields. Perfect.
We booked the party and Mama began the planning. Thanks to Pinterest and Etsy, I had a blast looking for theme ideas. I decided on a Shabby Chic Pony Party with lots of western elements. And, of course, lots of pink for my baby girl.
We booked a catered BBQ lunch and the rest was up to me. I had to plan the decorations, party favors, and of course, the birthday cake. Some of the items I copied directly from what I found on some amazing websites. Then I mixed in a little creativity. There was a lot of stress toward the end (mainly because it was supposed to rain but, thank goodness!, the weather was perfect.) All in all, the party was a huge success. Mostly because Annabel’s eyes lit up when she saw everything.
There were 20 kids and their parents. We were so happy that GG and Pop Pop could make it too. All the kids rode ponies and went on a hay ride. Annabel’s favorite thing was feeding the tiny ponies. She was taught to make an ice cream cone with the hay. The kids also spent time on the play area and the boys especially loved the bounce house. Everyone filled their bellies with pulled pork, hot dogs, mac-n-cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and salad. The beverages were water, iced tea, and pink lemonade. Then, we had the cutting of the cake and each child received a personal pink cupcake with a pony toy on top. I think some of the parents now plan to book their next party at the farm. It was a great day. Yee Haw!
Here’s the party overview:
Annabel’s outfit:
-Dress: Gymboree
-Pink Cowboy Hat: Halloween Store
-Pink Cowboy Boots: Sheplers.com
-White Denim Jacket: Target
Decorations:
-Burlap and pink banner: Etsy shop Expressions In Design
-Metal treat cans with burlap ribbon: Jo-Ann Fabrics (bought ribbon separately)
-Small flower cans: Soup cans that I emptied, washed, and covered with a strip of scrapbook paper
-Pink bandana napkins: Oriental Trading
-Shabby chic frames for table signs: Homegoods
-Pony canvas art: Target
Favors:
-Treat bags: Walmart brown paper gift bags. I glued on small doilies and then placed an initial sticker in the center.
-Bag tags: Jo-Ann Fabrics
-Chocolate horse lollipop: Etsy shop Mandies Candies
-Bandana, western necklace craft, horse bubble, and personalized crayon box: Oriental Trading
-Cowgirl and cowboy notepads and stickers: Celebration Express
-Kids western hats: Oriental Trading
Birthday Cake:
-Cake: Publix
-Cake pennant sign: Etsy shop Queen Bee Inspirations
-Cake plate: Local antique mart
-Cupcakes: Publix
-Wire cupcake stands: Michaels
-Pony cupcake toppers: Oriental Trading
